Ravens Sign Veteran LB Daryl Smith

Linebacker Daryl Smith has been one of the AFC’s most underrated linebackers.

The work doesn’t stop for the Ravens, who bolstered their inside linebacker corps by adding veteran Daryl Smith Wednesday afternoon, just after returning from their visit to the White House.

Smith has already passed the physical, and inked a one-year deal.

Smith is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ all-time leading tackler with 678 total stops. He’s a 31-year-old, nine-year veteran who is coming off a groin injury that limited him to just two games last season.

The Ravens are short on experience at the position after Ray Lewis retired, Dannell Ellerbe left for Miami in free agency and free-agent signee Rolando McClain stepped away from the game to get his life in order following an arrest.

Smith brings plenty of experience. The former second-round pick out of Georgia Tech has been a starter throughout his entire career. He has 124 starts under his belt and had never missed more than two games before last season.

Smith has long been one of the AFC’s most underrated linebackers. In 2011, he received Pro Football Focus’ second-highest grade among outside linebackers, only trailing Denver’s Von Miller. Smith received high marks for his run and pass coverage.

He has never gone to the Pro Bowl, but he had 311 tackles from 2009 to 2011 to go along with 21.5 career sacks, six interceptions and nine forced fumbles.

Smith also provides versatility, as he played all three linebacker positions for the Jaguars. He was mostly at outside linebacker in Jacksonville, but would move inside for Baltimore.

The Ravens released outside linebacker Michael McAdoo, who spent the last two seasons on injured reserve, in the corresponding roster move.

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